[engl] The Routes will always hold a special place in my twisted heart ‘cuz they were the first band to give me a shot at doing their album cover. That was back in 2011 for their second LP, Alligator. That ain’t the reason why I’m trying to sell you the band though. The reason I’m trying to sell you the band is far more simple; the Routes are one of, if not THE best garage outfit out there today, and their new album SKELETONS just confirms it. So forget about the bands hiding their inadequacies behind tons of effects and divert your attention with their flashy costumes. Forget about the bands who claim to be a garage band, but play a wimpy mix of shoegaze and light pop. You can even forget about the multitude of garage bands who got the right idea and gear but fail to deliver. This is the real deal! Eleven songs that only rely on raw talent, raw power, and raw production (and the scuzziest fuzz guitar sound you’ve ever heard) to deliver some of the best garage punk tunes this side of ’66. Yet, unlike many of their 60s counterparts, the Routes managed more than a one hit wonder, as you’ll rapidly realise listening to Skeletons. The album is simply full of memorable tunes, bursting with pissed-off energy and earworm melodies (and the scuzziest fuzz guitar sound you’ve ever heard), and the Routes’ highly distinguishable sound. So play that record already, and get ready to blow the cobwebs off your speakers with the stompin’, grindin’ sound (and the scuzziest fuzz guitar sound you’ve ever heard) of the Routes!